built1n / gpr

A simple C++ G-code parser

Synopsis

GPR is a small, MIT license, C++11 G-code parser. It is intended to provide the lowest level of parsing for G-code, breaking up raw G-code text into blocks consisting of comments and word-address style commands.

What is G-code?

G-code is the universal language of machine tools. It is used to control everything from mills and lathes to EDM machines and 3D printers.

Though the syntax and semantics of g-code are officially defined by ISO 6983 it is not really a single language. Different machine vendors implement different subsets of the standard and different non-standard extensions for their own equipment.

What everybody agrees on is that G-code programs consist of blocks, which are really just lines of text. Each block consists of:

1. An optional block delete character '/'
2. An optional line number
3. Any number of words, parameter settings and comments
4. An end of line marker (carriage return)

G-code emitted by modern CAM systems usually consists mostly of comments and words. For example the G-code program below has 4 blocks: 1 comment, and three movement commands.

(*** Toolpath 1 ***)
G0 X0.0 Y0.0 Z0.0
G1 X1.0 F23.0
G1 Z-1.0 F10.0

Since the interpretation of G-code commands varies from vendor to vendor this parser does not make any attempt to interpret G-code commands. It simply parses G-code and returns the parsed blocks.

G-code Dialects Supported

This parser has been tested on 5 different G-code samples which are in the gcode_samples folder

1. RepRap: A common G-code dialect used by 3D printers like the monoprice select mini, the sample was produced by Cura.
2. LinuxCNC: The sample in the github repo was produced for a 3 axis mill by an experimental CAM system from Stanford.
3. Vectric: Generated by VCarve Pro for a CAMASTER router
4. HAAS: Taken from a machinists forum post.
5. Mazak: Produced by Mazak's Mazatrol to G-code converter.

Feedback

If you use this parser in your own project I would really like to hear from you about it. Let me know what you liked and what could be better, and if you like this parser please give the repo a star!